Why are there testing fees?

[DLopez]

I guess it's all relative...

 

I'd never taken MA before the one I'm in now, so the belt testing fee of $25 and the stripe testing fee of $10 between belts seemed reasonable to me. I accepted it as part of the school's business.

 

Hehe, but those fees really look insignificant with my black belt testing fee of $350. I'll be taking at least 6 black belt tests once I become a black belt candidate, so that $350 is spread out over all those tests.

 

One thing is for sure, it's worth every penny!

[afitzwater]

We charge $20 for all testing with the exception of black belt which is $90. This contributes to the belt, belt embriodery, boards and bricks required for breaking and your certificate and frame.

[stuart]

We have national gradings 3/4 times a year, it cost £15 for a Kyu grade grading. Their are no re-test fees. I imagine the money goes to, the owners of the hall we use, the Academy, the Sensei's who do the gradings. All of which seems perfectly resonable.

[Gumbi]

I personally cant stand any school that would have fees for "testing" someone. I dont even believe in "belt tests" simply because your instructor should already be noting your improvement.When you start to beat all the guys at your level and running with the guys the level above you, you should be promoted accordingly. Then I guess you need to take into account what it means to be promoted. Does it mean you're a better fighter, or is there more to it such as your discipline, katas, breaks, etc etc.

[WolverineGuy]

Tests are nice for having something to shoot for. I believe its really the only good way to mark someones progress, as well. People like to have short term goals (myself included). Its nice to have a small ceremony where you officially go up a level.

[renketsu]

Gradings in our association are £5 for kyu grades and £20 for dan grades.

 

Each club grades in their own dojos and the senior instructor (6th dan) comes down and takes the kyu gradings, the dan gradings are done at the main dojo though.

 

Belts are a further £3 if the student is successful but some grades do not require new belts (4th kyu, 2nd kyu and 1st kyu as these are white tabs added to the purple or brown belt).

 

For my own club's gradings, the £5 testing fee goes to my instructor who takes the grading and the £3 belt fees are paid towards the hall hire as - students dont pay the normal £2 to train when grading.

 

Andy.

[G95champ]

Several reasons

 

1. To help the school make some money and stay open.

 

2. Pay for the belt, certificate, registeration, etc.

 

3. Makes people take it a bit more seriously if they fail because the lose their money lol.

 

I only charge what it costs me for the belt and stuff. I don't have a prob. with testing fees as long as its not testing for 25 belts just to make money and not teach. If you are taught you dont mind what it costs.

[blitzcraig]

Ok all this makes me mad

 

At my school its 80 a month if your a BB member, 90 a month for a year plan, and 100 a month if its by the month. Testing is as follows.

 

Yellow-25

 

Orange-25

 

Green-30

 

Blue-35

 

Purple-I think 35

 

Brown-I think 40

 

Red-I think 50

 

Black-100

 

2nd Black-freakin frakin 500!!!!

 

Why is this sooo freakin expensive. Is 90 bucks a month not enough. 3 classes a week, 90 bucks a month= empty wallet.

 

Oh, and if I wanna test....start saving money now.

 

I understand that there is testing fee's and all that, but why is my school so more than all of yours? Its tomfoolary.

[DLopez]

I think you just have to ask yourself one question: "Is it worth it?"

 

The simple yes/no answer to that question will tell you whether to find another school or stay put and pay those fees.

 

I have no qualms about paying my testing fees, especially my black belt testing fees. To me, it's worth it.

[G95champ]

Geez thats high. For 90 bucks a month you better be getting some good instruction and not missing classes.